SAN ANTONIO — Practices kicked off Tuesday for the All-American Bowl (Saturday, NBC, 1 p.m ET). The East team got things going inside the Alamodome, while the West practiced at a nearby high school.
The first day consisted of a morning and afternoon practice session in shorts and shoulder pads with more of a heightened focus on scheme installs in the afternoon, before giving way to 1-on-1s and 11-on-11 during the last 45 minutes of practice.
Focusing on the East Team, 247Sports takes you inside the event highlighting today’s standouts.
ALPHA DOG: Mykel Williams, DL (Georgia signee)
The rich will get richer in Athens. Mykel Williams played mostly five-tech in high school and showed Tuesday he can dominate inside as well. He’s extremely mobile with an awesome first step and was disruptive from the jump once 11-on-11s began. The Columbus, Georgia, native displayed his skill set as one of the most polished and versatile players in San Antonio on Tuesday.
In addition to joining arguably the best defensive front in college football, Williams’ ability to play multiple positions will give Kirby Smart a bevy of options when it comes to attacking opposing offenses. Although it’s only Day 1, Williams has put everyone in San Antonio on notice.
NEXT 5 DEFENSE
DANI DENNIS-SUTTON, DL (PENN STATE)
A long line of fearsome Penn State pass-rushers has been established under James Franklin in Happy Valley and we like the chances Dani Dennis-Sutton ends up as a high draft pick when all is said and done. The Maryland product appears to be one of the more physically-ready defensive linemen among the attendees in San Antonio and displayed the pass-rushing ability that could surprisingly find himself contributing sooner rather than later at the next level. If there was one surprise takeaway in Tuesday’s East practice, it’s that Dennis-Sutton is further ahead of the learning curve than initially thought.
DAVISON IGBINOSUN, CB (UNSIGNED)
A late riser 247Sports’ rankings, Davison Igbinosun made a strong impression in the first day of full practices in San Antonio. Listed as a cornerback, Igbinosun saw some action at multiple positions in the secondary today, proving to be one of the more position versatile prospects in attendance this week. The New Jersey native displayed his ball skills in both practice sessions, intercepting passes in the individual and team settings.
AIDEN GOBAIRA, DL (NOTRE DAME)
Ranking as the No. 21 defensive lineman according to the Top247, Aiden Gobaira’s presence was hard to miss on Tuesday. The Notre Dame signee displayed good initial quickness and ability to go speed to power off the edge during both practice sessions. Gobaiara found himself in the backfield most of the afternoon, winning at the point of attack with an explosive first step and high motor. Gobaira has appeared to add some good weight to his frame as he gears up for his transition to the next level.
DEYON BOUIE, ATH (TEXAS A&M)
You name it, he can do it. Deyon “Smoke” Bouie is an athlete. Because of a lack of able bodies during Tuesday’s practices (health and safety protocols), Bouie was playing double duty down in San Antonio, working on both sides of the ball for the East team. The Texas A&M signee was one of the most dynamic players to take the practice field, displaying his ability as a perimeter playmaker offensively and as a man-to-man corner on defense. The Aggies, who are tracking for the No. 1 recruiting class in the history of recruiting rankings, appear to have a nabbed one of the most multi-dimensional prospects in the country.
TOP 5 OFFENSE
ELIJAH PRITCHETT, OT (ALABAMA)
Taking the majority of snaps at right guard in today’s practice sessions, Alabama offensive tackle signee Elijah Pritchett appeared anything but uncomfortable while making the transition inside to offensive guard today. Although heavy offensive line rotations are to be expected this week, Pritchett impressed on the interior with his 6-foot-5 frame, showing the ability to be used outside in at the next level. Already a member of the “All-Lobby Team,” Pritchett is off to a strong start this week.
DREW ALLAR, QB (PENN STATE)
There’s already been plenty of buzz coming into the week surrounding the nation’s No. 1 quarterback Drew Allar. So far, he fits the bill.
Measuring at 6-foot-4 ½ and 232-pounds, Allar passes the eye test with flying colors. On the practice field, the Penn State signee continued to show why he’s considered the country’s most talented passer. Allar flashed the arm strength and deep ball ability that he’s earned a reputation for throughout his high school career. He’ll need to continue to improve his accuracy and consistency as a short to intermediate passer but the Ohio native has all the tools to develop into a special product at the next level.
NICHOLAS SINGLETON, RB (PENN STATE)
Five-star running back Nicholas Singleton was another Nittany Lion who impressed Tuesday. The Penn State signee ranks as the No. 1 running back in the nation according to the Top247 and flashed on Monday what has made him one of the most distinguished backs in the country.
Measuring in a shade under 6-feet and 212 pounds, Singleton exhibits excellent patience and vision in conjunction with outstanding short area explosiveness. Although it was only day one of practice, it’s clear James Franklin appears to have his cornerstones of the future with Drew Allar and Nicholas Singleton.
BARION BROWN, WR (KENTUCKY)
The Kentucky Wildcats made quite the impression on the recruiting trail this past cycle, finishing with a class ranking of No. 11 in the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings. A big part of the Wildcats’ class and their future is receiver Barion Brown.
A Nashville native, Brown is considered one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. His performance during Tuesday’s practice sessions only solidified that notion. Already boasting a 10.49 100-meter time, Brown displayed his ability to stretch the field on Tuesday, making plays in multiple team settings. The Kentucky signee undoubtedly possesses the ability to contribute early and make an immediate impact in Lexington come next fall.
ISAIAH BOND, WR (ALABAMA)
It’s clear Alabama’s loading up on speed at receiver this cycle with the additions of Kobe Prentice, Aaron Anderson and Isaiah Bond. Prentice and Anderson each displayed dynamic ability during their respective all-star bowl games. Now it’s Isaiah Bond’s turn. Bond posted a 10.48 100 meter time earlier this year and did not waste time turning on the jets during Tuesday’s practice sessions, winning the majority of his one on one battles and flashing his ball skills in team drills. The Buford High School standout is appearing to build a stronger and stronger case to see the field earlier in his career in Tuscaloosa.
